John F. Kennedy portrayed on screen

Bettmann / Corbis / PBS

John F. Kennedy's transformative term as president of the United States and tragic death have inspired dozens of film and television dramatizations. With the 50th anniversary of his assassination around the corner, we take a look back at some of his portrayals on the big and small screens.

John F. Kennedy's transformative term as president of the United States and tragic death have inspired dozens of film and television dramatizations. With the 50th anniversary of his assassination around the corner, we take a look back at some of his portrayals on the big and small screens. (Bettmann / Corbis / PBS)

Cliff Robertson stars as a young John F. Kennedy in this dramatization of his tenure with the U.S. Navy. The movie, named after the motor torpedo boat that Kennedy commanded during World War II, follows Kennedy's wartime exploits before he stepped behind the Oval Office. "PT 109" was released in theaters five months before Kennedy's assassination.

Cliff Robertson stars as a young John F. Kennedy in this dramatization of his tenure with the U.S. Navy. The movie, named after the motor torpedo boat that Kennedy commanded during World War II, follows Kennedy's wartime exploits before he stepped behind the Oval Office. "PT 109" was released in theaters five months before Kennedy's assassination. (Associated Press)